Giving

How Each of Us Can Change the World

By: Bill Clinton

Narrated by: Bill Clinton

Length: 6 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

Here, from Bill Clinton, is a call to action. Giving is an inspiring look at how each of us can change the world. First, it reveals the extraordinary and innovative efforts now being made by companies and organizations and by individuals to solve problems and save lives both "down the street and around the world". Then it urges us to seek out what each of us, "regardless of income, available time, age, and skills", can do to help.

Bill Clinton shares his own experiences and those of other givers, representing a global flood tide of nongovernmental, nonprofit activity. These remarkable stories demonstrate that gifts of time, skills, things, and ideas are as important and effective as contributions of money.

Clinton writes about men and women who traded in their corporate careers and the fulfillment they now experience through giving. He writes about progressive companies going green, about promoting fair wages and decent working conditions around the world. He outlines what we as individuals can do, the steps we can take, how much we should consider giving, and why our giving is so important.

Bill Clinton's own actions in his post-presidential years have had an enormous impact on the lives of millions. Through his foundation and his work in the aftermath of the Asian tsunami and Hurricane Katrina, he has become an international spokesperson and model for the power of giving.

"We all have the capacity to do great things," President Clinton says. "My hope is that the people and stories in this audiobook will lift spirits, touch hearts, and demonstrate that citizen activism and service can be a powerful agent of change in the world."

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2007 William Jefferson Clinton (P)2007 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

Disappointing

Let me say first that I am a great admirer of President Clinton. I voted for him (twice) and was saddened when he left office. As a narrator he is simply superb.

But there are two problems with the audiobook: First, the book's nature is more of a reference text than an inspiration. It's ultimate goal is to provide you ways to be philanthropic. Having the physical information in front of you is ultimately more useful than just an audio narration. Inspiration from this book may goad you to go out and buy the physical book itself as a reference text.

The second problem with the book is that some of the examples cited show a naivete surprising for a man such as Mr Clinton. For example: he continually cites the Bill and Linda Gates Foundation. Mr Gates built his wealth via predatory business practices that even today are being attacked in courts around the world. This is, essentially, blood money, and much akin to what Carnegie and Frick did 100 years ago when they built their empires and then relinquished them later in life. Reading about this was a true turn-off and it happened so early in the book that, to me, called into question a lot of what was written later.

compelling pitch

First, nothing beats listening to a book that is written and read by Bill Clinton. Setting aside politics, he's simply a great narrator. More importantly, his message is one that let's you know that you can help improve the world. Clinton takes the listener through a wide range of examples that he has seen, that have helped make the world a better place. If you are wondering how you can make a difference, this book will help answer the question.

Clinton's HOW TO BE A PART OF CREATING CHANGE

What Al Gore did for understanding Global Warming, he does for Giving.............Clinton had managed to present an inclusive guide to how anyone can create change in the world....If everyone stepped up to just one example- would we be a better world?

Well Worth Reading - Regardless of Affiliation

In my opinion, this book is a "must read" for everyone. We all (or the vast majority of us) go about our daily lives and we fail to give thought not only to how much need there is in the world, but even more so to all of the resources that are out there that make it so easy for us to be involved. While having lunch with a friend, I mentioned that I was reading this book. She said, "Oh, I would never even pick up a book written by Bill Clinton, and I can't believe you would." I spent the better part of the remainder of our time together touting this book and all of the good that could be done if everyone in America would read and make application of it. Regardless of your political affiliation, or the lack thereof, you can and will benefit from reading this book.
I was especially impressed with the idea of directly involving children, as Mr. Clinton describes that he and Hillary do with their nephews. My son has always witnessed me doing and giving, but now, even at the age of 21, we are going to change this concept. He is in college, so I am going to provide the resources, but he is going to research what charity/organization he will support, and then I've asked that he report to me on the good that is being done -- and on a regular basis. It is the same concept as "Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime." Teach your children to give, and it may just become a way of life.
At times, especially in the last couple of chapters, the writer gets a little deep, but the positives of the books far outweigh the negatives.
Please take the time to read this book. Share it with others. Involve your children and your family in some of the wonderful opportunities for giving back that are set forth in this book.

Looking for Ways to Help?

If you are looking for ways to help - especially w/o giving money, then this is a great listen. Mr. Clinton gives insight into what others are doing and how we can jump on the bus and start helping out in our communities and in our world. I got some great ideas and I think others can benefit from listening to this one.

Buy the hard copy book - the listen lacks

I love Bill Clinton's voice and narrations. His first book is excellent and a must listen... this book is more of a read if you are interested but do NOT listen to it. Again Clinton's narration is pleasing but the subject matter is NOT made for the audible format. Yes Bill..Giving is a noble trait ... and we get it. This is more of a book of lists and giving organizations than you can donate to. Great reference material but NOT a book for entertainment.

Inspiring but....

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Yes and no.
The book is very inspiring but somewhat less applicable in my Danish society than it would be in America. I liked the last chapters most since they were about more international and broad issues.

Danish society is so that the population is less devided economically than the American society. Against the impression of most Americans, Danish (and European)

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

Bill Clinton himself is very compelling and trustworthy. I always loved his voice and he is a good story teller.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

It would be a documentary, but I would definately be interested.

Buy the hard copy

As much as I enjoy a good Clinton speech, this is not the book that shows off his talent as an orator. It's more like a catalog of all the great giving institutions. I think the premise of the book is great, but you need the hard copy to underline and highlight names of the wonderful organizations, so that you can figure out which ones to support with money, time or goods. The examples of the "social entrepreneurs" are inspiring, but a written handbook would be much more useful as a reference for your own pursuits.

A perfectly written book

A great book that I found to be developmental and maturative for a young man coming of age such as myself. I found this book to be read with perfect intonations and inflections and I found the whole story to be highly intelligent. I found great relation in the protagonist and I further highly recommend this book.

Inspiring & Motivating

I loved the book and Bill Clinton reading it to me! I understand what other reviewers have mentioned re: feeling the need to take notes, highlight, underline, use as a reference. Absolutely! So, I bought the book about the third chapter into listening, and did just that. Now I remember why kids like to read along while someone is reading out loud. It is enjoyable!! I felt empowered to Give more in non-traditional ways.